So yesterday I was picking up some beer at Bevmo and decided to grab an airline size bottle of Glenlivet 12 yr. I don't ever drink scotch, but I love bourbon so why not expand a bit. So I poured it neat in a rocks glass and the first sip was a bit harsh. I decided to read some more news and came back to it about 10 minutes later. What a difference, much smoother and I picked up some nice fruity notes with subtle woody undertones. So do you scotch pros let it breathe a bit and should I try it with water and how much? I don't want to dilute it but I know sometimes water can open up flavors. Thanks much and now to get a full size bottle.
Scotch procedures?
- Thread starter Leche
- Start date
There are many ways to enjoy Scotch. As you've outlined, a little water can open it up and a little time to "breathe" can make it more enjoyable. There are no hard and fast rules because each brand of Scotch has it's own characteristics. The addition of water to some Scotches can unbalance them, while for others a bit of water improves the flavour. Some varieties of Scotch benefit from a little "breathing" time. Generally, I no longer add water to Scotch and I drink it neat. Depending on the brand, I may let it sit a few minutes. However, only you can decide that cutting your Scotch with a little water makes it more enjoyable.
There are also many different styles of malt whisky to explore.
If you get chance at a bar with a wide selection, try sipping a Islay malt like Laphroaig or a Skye malt like Talisker next to a Highland Malt like Dalwhinnie. Worlds apart.
Try them and find the way you enjoy them - ice, water, or neat. Just enjoy them.
But no coke. Never coke.
If you get chance at a bar with a wide selection, try sipping a Islay malt like Laphroaig or a Skye malt like Talisker next to a Highland Malt like Dalwhinnie. Worlds apart.
Try them and find the way you enjoy them - ice, water, or neat. Just enjoy them.
But no coke. Never coke.
Heaven's no! One should never adulterate a good Scotch with anything like a cola. Maybe there are a hard and fast rules to enjoying a Scotch.
I had a colleague who worked in Singapore and the phrase "more money than sense" can be applied to many of his colleagues. There was a crowd that wanted to be seen drinking the top (read "most expensive") whisky labels so would order whatever was most expensive. But since they didnt actually like the stuff they drowned it in coke.
Johnny Walker Blue please Yeah, with coke and ice 
Johnny Walker Blue please Yeah, with coke and ice
You have some good advice already in this thread, but don't be afraid to add water to your whisky. Most of the stuff for sale has already been diluted before bottling, so a few more drops won't do any harm and might make the dram more enjoyable for you.
Leaving the glass sitting for a while may also have allowed the Scotch to warm up which can also affect the nose and taste.
Leaving the glass sitting for a while may also have allowed the Scotch to warm up which can also affect the nose and taste.
I enjoy drinking a single malt in a brandy breather.
Funny about Grumpy Old Git's post. I have a friend who is very brand name conscious - particularly with adult beverages. While over his house a few weeks ago I witnessed him pouring two ounces of Blue Label in a tall glass filled with ice cubes - and then adding about 10 ounces of water!
This is the same guy who drinks Jack Daniels single barrel with 10 ounces of coke.
Funny about Grumpy Old Git's post. I have a friend who is very brand name conscious - particularly with adult beverages. While over his house a few weeks ago I witnessed him pouring two ounces of Blue Label in a tall glass filled with ice cubes - and then adding about 10 ounces of water!
This is the same guy who drinks Jack Daniels single barrel with 10 ounces of coke.
I like to enjoy my drams neat in several glass styles but often in a 12oz. snifter. I do enjoy it in "scotch specific" glasses such as Riedel Vinum or Glencairn as well.
For the most part, I do not add water. One should be careful about the water one adds to any scotch or bourbon. I was horrified when a friend added tap water to a bottle of Macallan 15 that I brought knowing that his well water has a noticeable iron taste. So a word of caution about using tap water without knowing the quality of same. Chlorine etc. does not enhance the flavor of a good dram!
I have had several horror stories when it comes to friends misusing my liquor. I won't expand on them other than to say that a friends wife made several Rob Roys using a 25 year old scotch. The phrase of justifiable homicide comes to mind.
Enjoy,
Doug
For the most part, I do not add water. One should be careful about the water one adds to any scotch or bourbon. I was horrified when a friend added tap water to a bottle of Macallan 15 that I brought knowing that his well water has a noticeable iron taste. So a word of caution about using tap water without knowing the quality of same. Chlorine etc. does not enhance the flavor of a good dram!
I have had several horror stories when it comes to friends misusing my liquor. I won't expand on them other than to say that a friends wife made several Rob Roys using a 25 year old scotch. The phrase of justifiable homicide comes to mind.
Enjoy,
Doug
Step one: Keep the good stuff hidden
Step two: Keep a bottle of cheaper scotch accessible so your good stuff doesn't get mixed
I like to let my drams breathe a bit, a few swirls around a tulip glass usually does the trick. A bit of time in the glass can take some of the harshness of the alcohols away as well, this is probably what made the difference for the OP. For water additions an eyedropper and some distilled water ensures both moderation and flavor integrity.
Step two: Keep a bottle of cheaper scotch accessible so your good stuff doesn't get mixed
I like to let my drams breathe a bit, a few swirls around a tulip glass usually does the trick. A bit of time in the glass can take some of the harshness of the alcohols away as well, this is probably what made the difference for the OP. For water additions an eyedropper and some distilled water ensures both moderation and flavor integrity.
There is definitely something to be said for letting the dram warm in your hand - a bit like with brandy.
On a similar note, the 'brandy balloon' snifter glasses are excellent for warming by hand and enjoying the aroma - though as you can see from this site - whisky glasses can come in many forms. However, the snifters seem to be widely available and can be as cheap or high end as you like.
On a similar note, the 'brandy balloon' snifter glasses are excellent for warming by hand and enjoying the aroma - though as you can see from this site - whisky glasses can come in many forms. However, the snifters seem to be widely available and can be as cheap or high end as you like.
Yes, a definite must do. I had my brother house sit for me once. He invited some friends over and they thought it would be cool to get drunk doing shots. I didn't mind that so much as the fact they used a 21 year old bottle of Canadian whisky I was saving.
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Please tell me you at least mentioned to your friend she used a 25yr scotch and that those were the most expensive Rob Roys that she will ever had.
I hope they were good friends.
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I didn't have to, my friend, who is a single malt enthusiast, discovered it and had a "word" with her. They were good friends so I did not make it a big issue.
Enjoy,
Doug
I typically give it a splash of spring water or at least filtered water and let it sit for about 5 minutes before I take my first sip.
Single Malt: Straight, or with a small splash of water.
Blended Scotch: Either as above, or on the rocks. Maybe with soda, if you like.
Other mixers?: You probably shouldn't be drinking Scotch.
Blended Scotch: Either as above, or on the rocks. Maybe with soda, if you like.
Other mixers?: You probably shouldn't be drinking Scotch.
- Thread starter
- #18
Thanks for all the info gents. I tried a small splash of bottled water with the rest of The Glenlivet and didn't really notice the difference. Will have to try more! 
Have no worries though, I have grown up and won't ruin a good drink with sodas or other mixes.
Have no worries though, I have grown up and won't ruin a good drink with sodas or other mixes.
